Title and Author: The book of 2 Thessalonians is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy also mentioned in the opening verse as co-authors or companions. The title "2 Thessalonians" indicates that this is the second letter Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica. Conservative Christian scholars affirm Pauline authorship based on internal evidence and early church tradition.

Historical Context: 2 Thessalonians was likely written around A.D. 51-52, shortly after 1 Thessalonians, during Paul's second missionary journey. The letter was composed in Corinth, where Paul stayed for 18 months. The city of Thessalonica was a major trade hub in Macedonia, with a diverse population and a strong Roman influence.

Audience: The letter is addressed to the Christian community in Thessalonica, a group of believers who had recently converted from paganism and Judaism. They were facing persecution and confusion regarding the return of Christ.

Purpose: Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians to address misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord, to encourage the believers in their persecution, and to correct idleness among some members of the church.

Genre and Style: 2 Thessalonians is an epistle, characterized by its didactic and pastoral tone. Paul uses a direct and authoritative style to address doctrinal and practical issues.1. Paul (2 Thessalonians 1:1)
- Paul is the author of the letter. He was an apostle and a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles to various churches.

2. Silvanus (Silas) (2 Thessalonians 1:1)
- Silvanus, also known as Silas, was a companion of Paul. He was a leader in the early church and accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey.

3. Timothy (2 Thessalonians 1:1)
- Timothy was a young disciple and close associate of Paul. He is known for his leadership in the early church and for being a recipient of two of Paul's epistles.1. Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 1:1)
- Thessalonica is the city to which the letter is addressed. It was a major city in Macedonia, located in what is now modern-day Greece. Thessalonica was an important trade and communication hub in the Roman Empire, and it had a significant population of both Greeks and Jews. The church in Thessalonica was established by Paul during his second missionary journey.

2. Macedonia (Implied in 2 Thessalonians 1:1)
- While not directly mentioned in 2 Thessalonians, Macedonia is the region where Thessalonica is located. Paul had traveled through Macedonia during his missionary journeys, and the churches in this region were significant in the early Christian movement.1. Greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1-4)
Paul, along with Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, greets the Thessalonian church and expresses gratitude for their growing faith and love amidst persecution. He commends them for their perseverance.

2. God’s Righteous Judgment (1:5-10)
Paul explains that their suffering is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, which will result in their being counted worthy of the kingdom of God. He assures them that God will repay those who trouble them and give relief to the afflicted when Jesus is revealed from heaven.

3. Prayer for the Thessalonians (1:11-12)
Paul prays that God will make the Thessalonians worthy of His calling and fulfill every good purpose and act of faith, so that the name of Jesus may be glorified in them.

4. The Day of the Lord (2:1-12)
Paul addresses concerns about the Day of the Lord, urging the Thessalonians not to be deceived by claims that it has already come. He explains that a rebellion and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness" must occur first. This man will exalt himself above God, but will ultimately be destroyed by Jesus.

5. Stand Firm in the Faith (2:13-15)
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold to the teachings passed on to them, whether by word of mouth or by letter, emphasizing their chosen status for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

6. Prayer for Strength and Protection (2:16-3:5)
Paul prays for the Thessalonians to be encouraged and strengthened in every good deed and word. He also requests their prayers for the spread of the gospel and protection from wicked people, affirming the Lord’s faithfulness.

7. Warning Against Idleness (3:6-15)
Paul instructs the Thessalonians to keep away from any believer who is idle and disruptive, not living according to the teachings they received. He emphasizes the importance of working for a living, using himself as an example, and advises them to warn those who do not obey his instructions.

8. Final Greetings and Benediction (3:16-18)
Paul concludes with a prayer for peace, a personal greeting written in his own hand as a mark of authenticity, and a benediction of grace for all.1. Perseverance in Persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
- The Thessalonian church is commended for their steadfastness and faith amidst persecution and trials. Paul encourages them to continue enduring these hardships as a testament to their faith.

2. God’s Righteous Judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:5)
- Paul speaks of God’s righteous judgment, assuring the believers that their suffering is evidence of God’s just decision to make them worthy of His kingdom. This theme emphasizes divine justice and the ultimate vindication of the faithful.

3. The Second Coming of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
- The letter discusses the return of Jesus Christ, highlighting the relief it will bring to believers and the retribution for those who do not know God. This theme underscores the hope and anticipation of Christ’s return.

4. The Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
- Paul warns about the coming of the "man of lawlessness," a figure who will oppose God and exalt himself. This theme addresses eschatological events and the need for discernment among believers.

5. The Power of Deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
- The letter warns of the deceptive power of the lawless one, who will perform signs and wonders to lead people astray. This theme highlights the importance of truth and the danger of being deceived.

6. Sanctification and Belief in the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
- Paul emphasizes the role of sanctification through the Spirit and belief in the truth as essential for salvation. This theme focuses on spiritual growth and adherence to the gospel.

7. Standing Firm in the Faith (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
- Believers are encouraged to stand firm and hold to the teachings passed on to them. This theme stresses the importance of maintaining doctrinal integrity and faithfulness.

8. Prayer for Strength and Protection (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
- Paul requests prayers for the spread of the gospel and for protection from evil. This theme highlights the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness in guarding believers.

9. The Importance of Work (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
- The letter addresses the issue of idleness, instructing that those unwilling to work should not eat. This theme underscores the value of diligence and responsibility in daily life.

10. Discipline within the Church (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
- Paul advises the church on how to deal with members who do not obey the teachings, advocating for corrective measures while still treating them as brothers. This theme focuses on maintaining order and accountability within the Christian community.1. Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:1, 1:2, 1:12, 2:1, 2:14, 3:6, 3:12, 3:18)
- This title emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and His role as the anointed Savior. The repeated use of "Lord" underscores His sovereignty and leadership over the church and the world.

2. Righteous Judge (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)
- Jesus is depicted as the one who will execute judgment upon His return. He will bring justice, rewarding the faithful and punishing those who do not know God or obey the gospel. This highlights His role in the final judgment.

3. The Coming One (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2:8)
- Referring to the anticipated return of Jesus, this title underscores the eschatological hope of believers. It speaks to His future coming to gather His people and defeat the lawless one.

4. The Lord of Peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
- This title reflects Jesus' ability to grant peace to believers in all circumstances. It emphasizes His role in providing spiritual tranquility and harmony.

5. The One Who Calls You (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
- Jesus is described as the one who calls believers to share in His glory. This title highlights His initiative in salvation and His desire for believers to partake in His eternal kingdom.1. Prophecy of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
- Prophecy: Paul speaks about the return of Jesus Christ and the gathering of believers to Him.
- Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:1 - "Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to Him, we ask you, brothers,"

2. Prophecy of the Revelation of the Man of Lawlessness
- Prophecy: Before the return of Christ, the "man of lawlessness" will be revealed, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship.
- Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - "Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God."

3. Prophecy of the Restrainer and the Mystery of Lawlessness
- Prophecy: The mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but it is currently being restrained until the restrainer is removed.
- Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 - "And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way."

4. Prophecy of the Destruction of the Lawless One
- Prophecy: The Lord Jesus will destroy the lawless one with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by the splendor of His coming.
- Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:8 - "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival."

5. Prophecy of Deception of Those Who Perish
- Prophecy: Those who do not love the truth will be deceived by the lawless one and will perish because they refused to believe the truth and be saved.
- Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - "and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment will come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness."

1. Comfort During Persecution  ( 1:1⁠–⁠12 )

a. Greetings to the Thessalonians  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. Worthy of the Kingdom of God  ( 1:5⁠–⁠12 )

2. The Day of the Lord  ( 2:1⁠–⁠17 )

a. The Man of Lawlessness  ( 2:1⁠–⁠12 )

b. Stand Firm  ( 2:13⁠–⁠17 )

3. Concern for the Church  ( 3:1⁠–⁠18 )

a. Request for Prayer  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

b. A Warning against Idleness  ( 3:6⁠–⁠15 )

c. Signature and Final Greetings  ( 3:16⁠–⁠18 )